Labubu went from cult Hong Kong art toy to global obsession in under three years. If you've seen the character — a fanged little creature with a mischievous grin — on TikTok, in K-pop idols' hands, or hanging off luxury bags, you're not alone. The Monsters series has become one of the most collected blind box lines in the world.
This guide covers everything a new or returning collector needs: who Labubu is, the full series order (V1 through V3 plus collaborations), how to start collecting without overspending, how to spot a fake, and where to buy.
Who is Labubu?
Labubu is a character designed by Kasing Lung (龍家昇), a Hong Kong–born artist based in the Netherlands. The character first appeared in 2015 as part of Lung's illustrated book series "The Monsters" — a cast of forest-dwelling creatures inspired by Nordic folklore. Labubu is the most recognizable of the group, identifiable by her pointed ears, nine sharp teeth, and slightly devilish smile.
In 2019, Lung partnered with POP MART, China's largest designer toy company, to release Labubu as a mass-produced collectible. The partnership exploded in 2024 when celebrities including BLACKPINK's Lisa, Rihanna, and David Beckham were photographed with Labubu plush charms — turning what was a niche art toy into a worldwide trend.
The complete Labubu series order
Labubu releases are organized into main "Macaron" / "Have a Seat" / "Big Into Energy" generations, plus collaboration drops. Here's the chronological order:
V1 — Exciting Macaron (2023)
The first POP MART Labubu blind box series. Six pastel colorways named after macaron flavors: Soymilk, Sea Salt Coconut, Lychee Berry, Green Grape, Toffee, and Sesame Bean. There's also a "Chestnut Cocoa" secret figure at roughly 1 in 72 odds. V1 introduced the now-iconic vinyl plush hybrid format — soft body, vinyl face — and remains the most affordable entry point for new collectors.
V2 — Have a Seat (2024)
The breakthrough series. Six seated-pose figures: Baba, Dada, Zizi, Sisi, Pippo, and Hehe, each in a different chair pose. The "Hope" secret figure (a Labubu reading a book) drove resale prices up 5–10× on the secondary market. V2 is when Labubu went from "popular" to "viral" — and when supply chain shortages first started.
V3 — Big Into Energy (2025)
The current main series. Six "energy"-themed Labubus including Loud, Hope, Luck, Serenity, Happiness, and Love, plus a glow-in-the-dark secret figure. V3 is the easiest current series to find authentically — POP MART significantly increased production after the V2 shortages. DidaPop's Labubu V3 collection is fully in stock.
Collaboration series
- Labubu × Coca-Cola (2024) — limited holiday drop, red-and-white colorway
- Labubu × Pronounce (2024) — fashion-forward collab with the Shanghai-based menswear label
- Labubu × Vans (2024) — sneaker-themed Labubus and matching shoes
- Labubu Plush Pendant series — keychain/bag charm format, distinct from main vinyl figures
- Labubu Mokoko series — smaller-scale figures with friends from "The Monsters" universe
Special editions
POP MART also releases yearly special editions: Chinese New Year exclusives, anniversary boxes, regional drops (Singapore, Thailand, US-exclusive colorways), and gallery-only mega figures. These are mostly aimed at advanced collectors and resell at significant markup.
How to start collecting Labubu (without going broke)
Labubu collecting can spiral fast. Here's a sensible path for new collectors:
- Start with one V3 blind box (~$15–20). This lets you experience the unboxing surprise and decide if the format is for you, without committing to a full series purchase.
- If you love it, consider a full V3 set (six boxes, ~$90–120). A "blind whole set" guarantees you get every standard figure in the series — but you'll get duplicates and no guaranteed secret.
- Trade duplicates with the community. Discord servers, Reddit r/PopMart, and DidaPop's WhatsApp collector group are full of collectors trading doubles for figures they're missing.
- Save chasing the secret for later. Secret figures sell for 5–15× retail on the secondary market. Don't pay secondary prices unless you really love that specific figure.
- Watch live unboxings before buying full sets. Our daily TikTok streams at @didapopblindbox show real-time openings — you'll get a feel for the size, finish, and which figures you actually want.
How to spot a fake Labubu
Labubu is one of the most counterfeited designer toys in the world. Here's how to authenticate:
- Holographic anti-counterfeit sticker on the outer box (changes color when tilted)
- QR code on the box that, when scanned, links to POP MART's verification page
- Sealed inner foil bag inside the box — the figure should be inside a sealed silver/pink pouch
- Clean, even paintwork on the face (no smudged eyes or uneven teeth)
- Soft, plush body with consistent stitching
- Vinyl head with no flash lines, no rough seams, and a slight matte finish
- Tag with character name in both English and Chinese
- No holographic sticker, or sticker that looks like a printed photocopy
- QR code missing, or scans to a generic page
- Face paint looks rough, asymmetric, or "off" — fake Labubus often have wonky eyes
- Body feels stiff or has chemical smell
- Price way below retail (a Labubu V3 for $5–8 is fake — period)
- Box printing looks faded or blurry
- Seller can't show packaging in stream or photos
If you ever buy a Labubu and suspect it's not authentic, photograph the unopened packaging and contact the seller immediately. At DidaPop, every Labubu we ship is sourced from POP MART's official channels — if you ever receive one you believe is not authentic, email support@didapop.com within 14 days and we'll resolve it.
Where to buy Labubu authentically
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| POP MART official store | Direct from manufacturer, full series guaranteed authentic | Limited country shipping, frequent stockouts, no live unboxing |
| DidaPop | Ships to 60+ countries, daily live unboxings, 100+ brands in one cart, 100% authentic guarantee | 2–5 day processing before shipping |
| POP MART app (mainland China) | Cheapest if you live in China | Not accessible outside mainland; payment requires Chinese banking |
| Third-party resellers (StockX, eBay) | Sometimes find rare secret figures | Significant markup, authentication varies by seller, no recourse if fake |
| Random TikTok / Instagram shops | Sometimes lower prices | High counterfeit risk, no buyer protection, often no PayPal |
For most international collectors, DidaPop and POP MART's official international store are the two safest options. DidaPop has the advantage of stocking Baby Three, Skull Panda, Liila, and 100+ other brands alongside Labubu — useful if you're building a multi-brand collection.
Caring for your Labubu collection
- Keep figures out of direct sunlight. UV exposure fades both vinyl paint and plush fabric over months.
- Store in original packaging if possible. Especially for resale value — boxed Labubus from sold-out series can double or triple in value over 1–2 years.
- Clean plush bodies gently. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid full water immersion — the vinyl head is sealed but the seam between head and body isn't waterproof.
- Display in a cabinet. Dust accumulates fast on plush. A closed display case keeps figures showroom-fresh.
- Don't repaint or modify if you ever plan to sell — modifications crash resale value.
Ready to start your Labubu collection?
Browse the full DidaPop Labubu collection, or check this week's new arrivals for the latest drops. Want to watch live unboxings first? Catch us on TikTok @didapopblindbox daily.
Have a question about a specific Labubu series, authenticity, or shipping? Email support@didapop.com or message us on WhatsApp +852 5334 6229 — we respond seven days a week.
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